Updated 12:26 pm, Monday, October 15, 2012

-Run against traffic to prevent accidents. If you turn your back on a driver, you may be giving up your life.

-When running at night, wear white clothing and some reflective material or carry a small flashlight.

-Carry identification with you when running. Your name, address and phone number, as well as your blood type and any medical conditions and allergies to drugs should be listed.

-Listen for safety. Wearing earphones may relax your running, but by blocking out the traffic sounds you may not be able to hear a vehicle or bike approaching. Another problem is that a runner with earphones is easy prey to a mugger who can catch the runner off guard.

-Always give dogs their territory. Put on a show for the dog, make believe you are picking up something and then pretend that you are getting ready to throw the object at the dog. Yell at the dog and be sure to move to the other side of the road. This method usually works. Never try to outrun a dog.

-Wear the proper clothing as the seasons change. In the summer, the runner's worst enemy is the heat. Wear light-colored clothes and wear a hat to keep the sun off your head. In the winter, dress in layers.

-Monitor your morning pulse rate. When waking up, stay in bed for a few moments and take your pulse. After a few minutes, your pulse should be regulated. If your pulse rate increases by ten or more beats, your body is telling you that you are under stress and to take a day or so off until your pulse rate returns to normal.

-Drink plenty of fluids. In the summer, take an additional 20 ounces of fluid every thirty minutes during running. And remember, it is just as important to drink fluids before starting out in the winter as well.

-Listen to your body; train, don't strain. Every runner handles work and stress differently. Learn to read your body and be aware of signs of overtraining, high morning pulse, lightheadedness, sore throat, swollen glands, loss of power and a feeling of heavy legs.

Dr. Robert Weiss lives in Westport and has a sports-podiatry practice in Darien. He is a former marathon runner and was a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the 1984 and the 1988 Olympic Trials.